A vulnerable pensioner spoke of her fears today after being repeatedly targeted in the latest deadly craze by firebugs aged as young as seven.

Terrified Mary Dadd has had her wheelie bin torched four times in the past few days.

The latest attack blocked the 86-year-old's only escape route and threatened to cause a potential gas explosion.

Cleveland Police today issued an urgent warning about the craze after ten other similar outrages were reported throughout the Redcar and Cleveland area.

The incident outside Mary's home in De Brus Way, Guisborough, could have had "horrendous consequences" they said.

Mary, who lives in a first floor flat, said: "It was a terrifying experience.

"It's sheer vandalism. My bin is just a melted blob on the floor.

"This is the fourth time I've had my bin set ablaze. The other times neighbours have seen the flames in time and have managed to put them out."

The latest fire close to her front door and gas meter cupboard happened about 9pm on Tuesday.

"I was sat in my lounge watching TV when I smelt smoke," she said. "I went to the top of the stairs and saw flames shooting up on the other side of the glass door."

She was able to call the police and firefighters who quickly dealt with the flames but the pensioner feared being trapped with no escape.

"The flames were right against my gas meter cupboard. If they had reached the gas, there could have been an explosion. This was very dangerous and could cost lives. Someone could be badly hurt or worse."

Cleveland Police confirmed ten similar incidents throughout the borough since the beginning of the month including at Grangetown, Eston, Normanby and Redcar.

A spokeswoman said: "Children as young as seven are believed to have been involved.

"In the incident involving Mrs Dadd, the bin was pushed up against her front door. It was set on fire close to the gas meter cupboard.

"If not discovered, the fire could have had horrendous consequences."

Crime prevention officer Steve Drabik said: "We are concerned this problem will escalate on the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

"Everyone should take care of their bins and ensure they are only left out for a short time on collection days. If possible, they should be secured in a garden or yard."

* Anyone with any information on culprits should call police urgently on 01642 326326, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.